Amaranthe

With no fewer than three singers, the Swedes from Amaranthe combine female and male clean vocals with male harsh vocals. Their self-titled debut offers a surprising blend of power metal and melodic death metal. Catchy songs (too poppy according to some), first-rate production and the unusual vocal mix made for a very interesting debut. Follow-up ‘The Nexus’ (2013) has a very futuristic feel to it and continues along the vein of their debut, cementing their reputation as one of the hottest young melodic metal bands around. Just one year later they released ‘Massive Addictive’ and apart from hiring a new growler (Henrik Englund), they chose to amplify what works in terms of appeal: chugging rhythms, ripping solos, lightning-fast drums, synthesizers and female vocalist Elize Ryd (also Kamelot) take centre stage. On ‘Maximalism’ (2016) they dial back the heaviness even further and explore the radio-oriented side of their sound. Amaranthe’s brand of singalong metal will appeal to younger metal fans in particular. (#GMM18)